Torbaaz tells a very important story. It focuses on the problem of child suicide bombers of Afghanistan and emphasizes how cricket can help in healing wounds to an extent. Sadly, this excellent story is badly directed and hence hardly any impact is made. A few stock footage of wars and blasts are inserted at regular intervals. As a result, the film suddenly seems like a documentary. Also, the underdog team winning or giving a tough fight instantly gives a déjà vu of films like Chhichhore and Chhalaang. Talking of performances, Sanjay Dutt is not at his best but gives a likeable performance. Nargis Fakhri is wasted. Rahul Dev is over the top as the villain. The kids however do a great job. Rehan Shaikh is too good in the role of Sadiq (the youngest kid). Aishan Jawaid Malik (Baaz) and Rudra Soni (Gulab) also do a great job. Hiroo Keswani‘s cinematography is spectacular and the locales of Kyrgyzstan are very well captured. All in all, Torbaaz is a disappointment.
My rating – ** out of 5!